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Educator Update
Hello 4-H Families,
I hope everyone had a great Christmas and is looking forward to the new year! We have a lot of excitement at the extension office for the new year. Ann and I are collaborating on some new programming, and we also get to welcome a new member to our Extension family.
Project meetings will be in full swing pretty soon. In this newsletter, you will find information about the Horse (YEP) and Dog project meetings. We will also be hosting a cat project meeting in February. You do not need to be enrolled in a project to attend the project meetings. We encourage everyone who might be interested to participate. It is a great way to learn what 4-H has to offer.
Finally, this month's newsletter has information about the Speaking Contest and Performing Arts Festival. They are both great programs that help build confidence in youth and allow them to perform in a safe, stress free environment.
I wish you all a Happy New Year. Please reach out if you have questions about any of the programs that are being offered.
Zachary Rozmiarek, 4-H Educator
zachary.rozmiarek@wisc.edu, 715-232-1636
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Welcome Deanna!Hello! I’m Deanna Wiersgalla, and I’m thrilled to begin my new role as the Dunn County Community Outreach and Office Operations Associate. In this position, I’ll be collaborating with the incredible team of Extension Educators—especially Zac, our 4-H Educator—to bring the Wisconsin Idea to life across the county. I’m excited to work alongside such a dedicated group to make a meaningful impact in our community!
My journey in agriculture and community service started early. As a proud 4-H member in Buffalo County, I dived into projects ranging from photography to cultural arts and crops at the county fair. Through 4-H, I had the amazing opportunity to give back with community service trips in Hawaii, Maine, Vermont, and Massachusetts. These experiences fueled my passion for 4-H and FFA, which eventually led me to pursue a degree in Agricultural Education. After college, I returned to my alma mater, Cochrane-Fountain City High School, where I taught and continued my work in education until I moved to Menomonie.
When I’m not working, you can find me curled up with a good book, exploring new places, or spending time with my dog, Autumn. I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone and starting this exciting new chapter with all of you!
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Distance Learning Opportunities
This year we have three different distance learning opportunities that are being offered state wide. They are:
- The Science of Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Dinosaurs and Unicorns
- Paper Circuits
Follow the link to learn more!
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Wisconsin 4-H Foundation Photography Contest
The Wisconsin 4-H Foundation Celebrates the Arts Photography Contest is open to any current Wisconsin 4-H member. The Wisconsin 4-H Foundation is awarding cash prizes. The contest will be held virtually, with photos of all entries submitted electronically. Entries are being accepted now through January 31, 2025. Follow the link below to learn more!
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Dunn County 4-H Food Drive
Dunn County 4-H is sponsoring a food drive for all clubs that wish to participate. If your club votes to participate, here is what you need to do:
- Collect Non-parishable food items and bring them to your December OR January meeting.
- E-mail a picture of the club members with the items AND the total amount of items collected to zachary.rozmiarek@wisc.edu.
- Donate the items to the food pantry of your choice. You can also bring them to the extension office and we will donate them for you.
The club with the most non-parishable food items per member will receive an ice cream sundae and root beer float party at their next meeting! (non-dairy options will be available upon request)
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| Upcoming Events, Programs, and Activities
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Tri-County Performing Arts Festival- Saturday March 1st, 2025, 9am
- Elk Mound High School
- All Ages
- Free!
Get your crew together and join us at the Tri-County Performing Arts Festival! The performing Arts Festival offers youth of all ages the opportunity to sing, dance, or act in a fun, stress free environment. You can perform with members of your club, or by yourself. Registration closes on February 12th. Follow the link below for more information and registration details.
If your club would like to perform a piece, but cannot find a director, reach out to Zachary Rozmiarek. We may be able to find a volunteer to help you out.
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Speaking and Demonstration Contest- Registration Closing Soon- Thursday, January 23rd, 5pm
- Registration Due January 9th
- Elk Mound High School
- Grades K-12
- Free!
There is still time to register for the The 2025 Tri-County Speaking and Demonstration Festival. Registration closes on January 9th. Learn more and register at the link below.
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2025 STEM Day at UW-Stout- January 25th 10am-3pm
- UW-Stout Fab Lab
- Grades 6-8
- $10 includes materials, access to lab and lunch
Dive into hands-on learning at the University of Wisconsin-Stout fabrication lab. Explore wiring, soldering, 3D printing, and electronics while creating your very own “Useless Machine.”
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2025 YEP Spring Round Up
The Youth Equine Project will hold their spring meeting on Sunday, February 2nd at 3pm in Room 60 of the County Government Building.
They will discuss the bylaws, practice schedule, and information for showing at the Dunn County Fair. Anyone who plans to show at the fair is highly encouraged to attend. Please reach out to Sara Lisowski if you have any questions.
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Cat Project Meeting Did you know that you can show your cat at the fair? The cat project is a fun, low stress way to show animals. No cats? No problem! There are many ways to participate in the cat project without owning a cat.
Join us on Saturday, February 15th at 10am in room 60 of the County Government Center. We will be learning about the cat project and making cat toys.
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Make Dog Treats and Tugs with the Dog Project!
Join the Dog project on Monday, January 27th for their dog treat and tug making event! Learn about the project while making crafts for your dogs. It will take place at 6pm in room 60 of the County Government Building.
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Dunn County Spring Break Stay-cation! Save the Date
Save the date for the Dunn County 4-H Spring Break Stay-cation! We will be offering three days of activities that will include crafts, games, snacks and more! They will take place from 9am-noon on Friday March 14th, Thursday March 20, and Friday March 21st. More information and registration will be available in next month's Clover Courier.
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Art U 2025!- Mondays from February 2nd - March 10th
- 6:30- 7:30pm
- K-6 virtual, 7+ in person at UW- Stout
- $5 for 4-H members, $10 for Non Members
- Registration now open, closes January 5th
Art U is Back! Join us for what has become our most popular County Wide Program.
Art U is a collaboration between 4-H and the UW-Stout Art Ed Department. Art Ed students will teach a series of 5 art classes virtually (grades k-6) and in person (grades 7+). The youth in the virtual session will be divided up by grade level, so everyone will have a unique experience that is right for them! Register now with the link below.
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| County-Wide Meetings and Events
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County-Wide Project meetings are open to any 4-H member who meets the age criteria. If you are unsure about adding a project area, these meetings are an excellent way to explore and learn more. Reach out to the extension office or project leaders for more information.
Projects can be added any time before May 15th in 4honline.com
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Trip FundingThe Dunn County Leaders Council is excited to help fund your 4-H trip or activity! The Leaders Council is committed to funding 25% of all state and national trips and activities. The Leaders Council may fund at greater amounts depending on the number of participants and budgetary allowances.
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Youth Support Fund
The Youth Support Fund is largely supported by donations from community members and businesses. Its purpose is to reduce the cost barrier associated with 4-H events and activities. If you are planning to participate in a 4-H event and feel like you could benefit from this fund, reach out to the extension office at zachary.rozmiarek@wisc.edu for more information.
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Club and Leader Information
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New Volunteer Training
All returning Volunteers are required to take the "Supporting Youth, Supporting You" training. Please take a moment to check your 4H Online account to see if you are missing any trainings. A link to training information is below.
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Leaders Council
The next Leaders Council Meeting will be on Thursday, February 6th at 6:30pm in the County Government Building. Please attend if you are available.
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4-H On the Air Schedule4-H On the Air is a fun and unique opportunity for the youth, and a great way to promote your club and Dunn County 4-H. Interviews can be done at the station or by phone.
If you are listed here, please take a moment to connect with WAXX: farm@midwestfamilyec.com or call Jill at 715-852-2659.
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An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements.
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